
Merciless Bullet 1959
Directed by Haruyasu Noguchi, *Merciless Bullet* (1959) plunges viewers into the shadowy underworld of post-war Japan with a gripping tale of betrayal and cold-blooded ambition.
Director: Haruyasu Noguchi
Cast







Frequently Asked Questions
What is Merciless Bullet (1959) about?
*Merciless Bullet* follows Kenji Sasagawa, a hired killer who executes a high-stakes assassination in a luxurious apartment, setting off a chain of betrayal within the criminal underworld. The plot centers on a cunning scheme by a crime boss's advisor to seize control of smuggling rights, all while Sasagawa remains detached from the consequences.
Who directed Merciless Bullet?
*Merciless Bullet* was directed by Haruyasu Noguchi, a filmmaker known for his contributions to Japan's golden age of crime cinema.
Who stars in Merciless Bullet?
The film features Yuji Odaka as the deadly assassin Kenji Sasagawa, alongside Joe Shishido, Shinsuke Ashida, and Nobuo Kaneko in pivotal roles.
Is Merciless Bullet (1959) worth watching?
With its taut 57-minute runtime and a plot brimming with betrayal and moral gray areas, *Merciless Bullet* is a compact but intense crime thriller. Fans of classic Japanese noir and character-driven dramas will find plenty to appreciate, even without an IMDb rating.
How long is Merciless Bullet?
The film runs for 57 minutes.
About Merciless Bullet (1959) — A crime thriller of assassination and betrayal in post-war Japan
Directed by Haruyasu Noguchi, *Merciless Bullet* (1959) plunges viewers into the shadowy underworld of post-war Japan with a gripping tale of betrayal and cold-blooded ambition. The story unfolds as hired gun Kenji Sasagawa, portrayed with chilling detachment by Yuji Odaka, carries out a meticulously planned assassination in a secluded luxury apartment. The target: a powerful crime boss, betrayed by his own advisor, Matsumoto (Shinsuke Ashida), who orchestrates the murder to seize control of lucrative smuggling operations. With its tight 57-minute runtime, this crime thriller crackles with tension, exploring themes of loyalty, greed, and the dehumanizing effects of violence.
Set against the neon-lit streets and dimly lit interiors of 1950s Tokyo, *Merciless Bullet* captures the moral decay of a world where trust is a luxury and every bullet has a price. Odaka's performance as the impassive, professional killer anchors the film, while Joe Shishido and Nobuo Kaneko deliver standout turns as morally ambiguous figures navigating a dangerous game of power. The atmosphere is thick with intrigue, making this a must-watch for fans of gritty, character-driven crime dramas.